Biomechanical protective system

ABSTRACT

A system for biomechanically protecting a person carrying a structure on their back includes a body portion carried about the person&#39;s back and shoulders. A shoulder area pad is connected to the body portion and covers a portion of the person&#39;s shoulder area. A scapula area pad spaces the structure from the person&#39;s spine of the scapula area and covers a portion of the person&#39;s back adjacent the spine of the scapula. A para-spinal pad spaces the structure from the person&#39;s spinous processes and extends substantially the length of the person&#39;s spine, covering a portion of the person&#39;s para-spinal musculature. Protection from the structure is also provided by a lateral pad that covers a lateral portion of the person&#39;s back, a kidney pad that covers a portion of the person&#39;s back to protect the kidneys, and a sacrum pad that covers a portion of the person&#39;s sacrum area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a system for biomechanically protecting a person carrying a structure on their back and/or seated in a seat.

Carrying a load on one's back can, in certain circumstances, cause discomfort and/or injury. For example, firefighters may be required to carry self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) devices in certain situations. Wearing of an SCBA device can cause the SCBA device to potentially impinge on the wearer's bone and/or muscle tissue. In particular, impingement of the SCBA device can occur on the most rearward, or posterior, portions of the spine's vertebrae, known as the spinuous processes. Further, wearing of an SCBA can cause it to impinge on a boney projection of the wearer's back, known as the spine of the scapula. Additionally, the SCBA device can impinge on less heavily muscled portions of the wearer's back, in contrast to the more densely layer para-spinal musculature located on either side of the wearer's spine, potentially causing bruising and/or rib breakage and/or fracture. Moreover, the SCBA device can impinge on the wearer's back near the kidney area and/or on the wearer's sacrum.

In addition to the potential problems associated with wearing an SCBA device, similar such problems may arise with other back-carried structures, such as child carriers, scuba tanks, backpacks, rucksacks, book sacks, equipment carriers, oxygen generators, etc. Also, similar impingement issues could arise with respect to forces being applied to a person's back in instances involving the person being seated in a seat experiencing vibration and/or acceleration forces, such as would be the case with jet aircraft seats, race car seats, speed boat seats, space vehicle seats, industrial equipment, amusement ride seats, automobile and truck seats, etc., and/or for ordinary seats such as office chairs, recliners, chairs found in the home, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the present invention includes a device for protecting a person, including a body portion that is carried about the person's back and shoulders, with a scapula area pad connected to the body portion. The scapula area pad is spaced from the person's spine of the scapula area and covers a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the spine of the scapula area. A para-spinal pad is also connected to the body portion and is laterally spaced from and extends substantially the length of the person's spine, covering a portion of the person's para-spinal musculature.

More specifically, one preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the body portion being vest-shaped, having a back portion, a first front portion, and a second front portion and an elongated first releasable fastener connected to the first front portion. An elongated second releasable fastener is connected to the second front portion and releasably fastens to the first releasable fastener. The second releasable fastener extends generally perpendicularly to the first releasable fastener. A shoulder area pad can be provided and connected to the body portion that generally covers a portion of the shoulder area of the person, as can also a lateral pad connected to the body portion that generally covers a lateral portion of the person's back. Additionally, a kidney pad and a sacrum pad can be included, the kidney pad generally covering a portion of the person's back adjacent to and/or generally over kidney area, and the sacrum pad covering a portion of the person's sacrum area.

In certain preferred embodiments, a load carrying portion, such as a child carrier, scuba tank, backpack, rucksack, book sack, equipment carrier, oxygen generator, etc. can be connected to the body section. Preferably, the scapula area pad generally spaces the rearwardmost extension of the person's spine of the scapula from the load carrying portion, and the para-spinal pad generally spaces the rearwardmost extension of the spinous processes of the person's spine from the load carrying portion.

The present invention also includes a seat configured for protecting a person, and includes a generally rigid support structure that supports the person, a scapula area pad connected to the support structure (the scapula area pad preferably being spaced from the person's spine of the scapula area and covering a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the spine of the scapula area), and a para-spinal pad connected to the support structure laterally spaced from and extending substantially the length of the person's spine and covering a portion of the para-spinal musculature of the person and to space the rearwardmost extension of the spinous processes of the person's spine from the support structure.

The present invention also comprises a method of protecting a person, which includes providing a body portion configured for being carried about the back and shoulders of the person and providing a scapula area pad connected to the body portion. Positioning of the scapula area pad is made to space the scapula area pad from the person's spine of the scapula area and to cover a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the spine of the scapula area with the scapula area pad. The method further includes providing a para-spinal pad connected to the body portion, the para-spinal pad having a first surface generally facing the person's back and a second surface generally facing away from the person's back, the para-spinal pad being configured to extend substantially the length of the person's spine, and laterally spacing the para-spinal pad from the person's spine such that the first surface of the para-spinal pad is proximate the para-spinal musculature of the person. Additionally, the para-spinal pad is positioned such that the second surface of the para-spinal pad projects rearwardly with respect to the person's back beyond the rearwardmost extension of spinous processes of the person's spine.

The biomechanical protective system of the present invention, in the context of a load carrying structure worn by a person, can provide protection to the wearer whether standing, bending or crawling. Upon flexion, or forward bending of the person's head and thorax, i.e., the upper body between the neck and the abdomen, the normal biomechanics of the spine S are such that the most rearward (posterior) portion of the vertebrae known as the spinous processes SP flare or more apart from each other. Sufficient impingement applied to this region of the spine during flexion can inhibit normal spinal biomechanics and induce abnormal and undesirable compensatory movement of the spinal vertebrae. Rotation and side (lateral) bending of the person can have a similar effect on the vertebral body rotation with proportional spinous process rotation. The biomechanical protective system of the present invention affords free space for movement and protection while providing recesses and/or gaps using padding to allow for and to accommodate necessary and/or or corresponding movement of the spine, vertebral bodies, and spinous processes. The vest of the present invention is preferably configured for a snug fit such that the facilitatory/protective gap is maintained over the center of the wearer's spinal column at all times.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing, as well as other objects of the present invention, will be further apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, when taken together with the accompanying specification and the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a firefighter and the orientation of the firefighter's spine when standing;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a firefighter illustrating the configuration of the firefighter's spine when bending over;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the configuration of a spine when a person is standing, and when a person is bending over;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a biomechanical protective system from the rear constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a biomechanical protective system from the front constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a biomechanical protective system constructed in accordance with the present invention used in connection with a load carrying structure carried on a person's back;

FIG. 3A is a sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2A when the wearer of the biomechanical protective system is standing;

FIG. 3B is a section view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2A when the wearer of the biomechanical protective system is twisted;

FIG. 4A is a schematic representation of padding arrangement of one preferred embodiment of a biomechanical protective system constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a schematic representation of padding arrangement of a first alternate embodiment of a biomechanical protective system constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a schematic representation of padding arrangement of a second alternate embodiment of a biomechanical protective system constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4D is a schematic representation of padding arrangement of a third alternate embodiment of a biomechanical protective system constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4E is a schematic representation of padding arrangement of a fourth alternate embodiment of a biomechanical protective system constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4F is a schematic representation of padding arrangement of a fifth alternate embodiment of a biomechanical protective system constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a firefighter wherein a biomechanical protective system constructed in accordance with the present invention in a bent over, twisted position;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a seat incorporating a biomechanical protective system constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a firefighter wearing a biomechanical protective system constructed in accordance with the present invention when bending over.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The foregoing, as well as other objects of the present invention, will be further apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, when taken together with the accompanying drawings and the description which follows set forth this invention in its preferred embodiment. However, it is contemplated that persons generally familiar with personal protection equipment will be able to apply the novel characteristics of the structures illustrated and described herein in other contexts by modification of certain details. Accordingly, the drawings and description are not to be taken as restrictive on the scope of this invention, but are to be understood as broad and general teachings.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference characters represent like elements or features throughout the various views, the biomechanical protective system of the present invention is indicated generally in the figures by reference character 10.

Turning to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a firefighter, generally F, wearing typical protective gear, such as a helmet, generally H, a flame retardant coat, generally C, and a self-contained breathing apparatus, generally SCBA, connected to a frame, generally R, having shoulder straps, generally SS, worn about the shoulders, generally SH, and back, generally B, of the firefighter. Typically, the SCBA extends generally vertically and is generally centered on the firefighter's back B during use.

The configuration of the firefighter's spine, generally S, includes vertebrae, generally V, having rearwardly extending spinous processes, generally SP. In FIG. 1B, spinous processes in the C-7 to T-5 range are shown, and some of which impinge upon one another and/or a frame portion, generally 12, of the SCBA, due to direct and or indirect contact, through the skin, with frame portion 12. It is believed this impingement of the spinous processes SP with the SCBA and/or its frame or supports, particularly brought about upon a firefighter F bending over (in flexion), can produce discomfort and/or undesirable health effects. Accordingly, reduction and/or elimination of such impingement is desireable.

FIG. 1C further illustrates the relative positions of the vertebrae V of a spine S, both when a person is standing, as shown in spine S on the left, and when a person is flexion (bending over), as shown in spine S on the right. Note the additional projection of spinous processes SP rearwardly, or posteriorly, when a person bends over. This amount of projection is illustrated by dimension P in FIG. 1C, with the normal projection of spinous processes being illustrated by dimension N in both of the spines S shown in FIG. 1C.

FIG. 2A illustrates one preferred embodiment of a biomechanical protective system 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention, and is, in one preferred embodiment, a vest, generally 14, having a body portion, generally 16. Body portion 16 has, as shown in FIG. 2B, two front portions 18, 20 which attach to one another through use of releasable fasteners, generally 22 and 24, such as Velcro®, or other hook and loop-type of fastening arrangements. For example, on front portion 20, a generally vertically disposed strip of hooks 22 is provided, and on front portion 18, a series of three, generally horizontally disposed strips of loop material 24 are provided. This arrangement of fasteners 22, 24 allows for vest 14 to snuggly fit about the wearer, generally W, and for allowing portions 18, 20 to be releasably fastened and unfastened quickly and easily.

Although fasteners 22, 24 for portions 18 and 20 are shown as hook and loop and/or Velcro® fasteners, it is to be understood that, although not shown, a variety of other releasable fasteners could be used, such as buttons, snaps, zippers, ties, twist fasteners, adhesives, magnets, clips, straps, buckles, etc., if desired. Body portion 16 of vest 14 could be made of a textile material, such as canvas, and/or could be woven, non-woven, or a combination of woven and non-woven materials. Further, body portion 16 could be plastic, leather, metallic mesh, flame retardant material, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, a blend thereof, or of any other suitable material.

As shown in FIG. 2A, body portion 16 has a series of pads connected thereto for protecting various areas of the wearer's back. Shoulder area pads 30, 32 generally cover a portion of the wearer's shoulders SH during use of vest 14. Shoulder pads 30, 32 are preferably configured and oriented to being interposed between straps SS of the SCBA, in the context of a firefighter's use, and/or straps LS, as shown in FIG. 2C, of a load carrying structure, generally L, worn on a person's back. As used herein, “load carrying structure” can refer to the SCBA, and also to other structures, such as a child carrier, scuba tank, backpack, ruck sack, book sack, equipment carrier, oxygen generator, etc., and protects the wearer's shoulders from forces exerted by an SCBA and/or other load carrying structure.

Load carrying structure L may include a compartment, generally LC, and a hip and/or waist strap or belt, generally LB, for wrapping about the wearer's waist and/or hips. Further, load carrying structure L may include a reflective strip, generally LR, for reflecting light in low light situations, if desired. Load carrying structure L may further include a rigid, semi-rigid, flexible, or other support structure, generally LF, which, as shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2C, would preferably overlay para-spinal pads 52, 54 and bridge recess R therebetween.

Scapula area pads, generally 34, 36, are attached to body portion 16 and are on body portion 16 such that when worn, they are spaced from the person's spine of the scapula area, generally SC, such that a load carrying structure L worn by a person, such as a SCBA, or as otherwise identified above, is correspondingly spaced from the person's spine of the scapula to reduce and/or avoid altogether impingement by a load carrying structure thereon.

Positioned on or in body portion 16 generally below scapula area pads 34, 36 are lateral pads 38, 40 which protect the wearer's rib cage area from impingement of a load carrying structure and generally cover lateral portions of the wearer's back. Scapula pads 34, 36 are preferably configured to fit those areas of the back that are typically more thinly muscled as compared to the para-spinal musculature, generally PS, located along either side of spine S.

Kidney pads 42, 44 are provided body portion 16 and generally cover portions of the person's back proximate the kidney areas to protect those areas from impingement of the load carrying structure. Kidney pads 42, 44 are positioned on vest to be separated from the kidneys and work in conjunction with lateral pads 38, 40 to space the load carrying structure away from impinging on the person's kidneys. Alternately, the kidney pads could, if made broad enough, cover the kidney area and safely distribute forces from the load carrying structure about the kidney area.

Extending downwardly from the back portion, generally 46, of body portion 16 is a sacrum pad 48, which generally covers a portion of the wearer's sacrum area, again, protecting such area from forces of a load carrying structure L worn and/or carried by wearer W. Although sacrum pad 48 is shown in one piece, it could, alternately, be in multiple portions, if necessary, depending on the particular application of system 10.

Para-spinal pads 52, 54 are connected to body portion 16 and are laterally. spaced form and extend substantially the length of the wearer's spine and overlay and/or cover a portion of the wearer's para-spinal musculature PS. Para-spinal pads 52, 54 are preferably of a thickness such that a recess, generally R, is created between pads 52 and 54. Recess R allows generally free movement of the wearer's spinous processes SP with little or no impingement of these spinous processes on the load carrying structure being worn by the person.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, recess R provides clearance of spinous processes SP when a user is standing and/or when the user twists from side to side as shown by arrow A. Since vest 14 is worn snuggly by the wearer, the orientation of pads 52, 54 and recess R with respect to spine S, vertebra V, and spinous processes SP is maintained generally throughout the range of motions of wearer W. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the wearer performs movement including twisting and bending, pads 52, 54 remain positioned over the wearer's para-spinal musculature PS, and recess R is substantially over the wearer's spine. Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, when a firefighter crawls on his or her hands and knees while maintaining a hand on a wall to maintain orientation, for example in a smoke filled room, pads 52, 54 remain positioned over the firefighter's para-spinal musculature, and recess R is substantially maintained over the spine of the firefighter. Recess R thus allows movement of spinous processes SP with little or no impingement thereon by a rigid structure such as frame portion 12 of a load carrying structure.

Preferably, vest 14 is fastened about wearer W in a snug, form-fitting configuration such that when the wearer stands, bends, crawls, twists, etc., vest 14 stays properly oriented with respect to the wearer's torso and upper body, thereby keeping pads 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 48, 50, and 52 in proper alignment with respect to the user's shoulders, spine of scapula, para-spinal musculature, lateral back portions, kidney area portions, and sacrum of the wearer during use of system 10. Thus, vest 14 can be worn by firefighter F, in one preferred embodiment, beneath flame retardant coat C and provide constant protection to firefighter F from impingement of an SCBA, even though the protective coat C and/or the SCBA may move relative to vest 14.

Pads 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, and 48 can be held in place with respect to body portion 16 by sewn seams, generally 50, or through some other means, such as adhesive, thermal bonding, ultra sonic welding, or through any other suitable method. Such pads are preferably high density, semi-compressible foam, although other padding arrangements could be used, such as gel-filled compartments, air filled compartments, fluid filled compartments, woven and/or non-woven materials, felt, springs or other resilient devices, etc., if desired.

FIGS. 4A through 4F illustrate various alternate embodiment arrangements of padding usable in a biomechanical protective system constructed in accordance with the present invention. In FIG. 4A, for example, alternate embodiment shoulder pads 30A, 32A are shown as are alternate embodiment scapula area pads 34A, 36A, lateral pads 38A, 40A, kidney pads 42A, 44A, sacrum pad 48A, and para-spinal pads 52A and 54A.

In FIG. 4B, alternate embodiment shoulder pads 30B, 32B are shown as are alternate embodiment scapula area pads 34B, 36B, lateral pads 38B, 40B, kidney pads 42B, 44B, sacrum pad 48B, and para-spinal pads 52B and 54B.

In FIG. 4C, alternate embodiment shoulder pads 30C, 32C are shown as are alternate embodiment scapula area pads 34C, 36C, lateral pads 38C, 40C, kidney pads 42C, 44C, sacrum pad 48C, and para-spinal pads 52C and 54C.

In FIG. 4D, alternate embodiment shoulder pads 30D, 32D are shown as are alternate embodiment scapula area pads 34D, 36D, lateral pads 38D, 40D, kidney pads 42D, 44D, sacrum pad 48D, and para-spinal pads 52D and 54D.

In FIG. 4E, alternate embodiment shoulder pads 30E, 32E are shown as are alternate embodiment scapula area pads 34E, 36E, lateral pads 38E, 38.1E, 38.2E, 40E, 40.1E, 40.2E, kidney pads 42E, 44E, sacrum pad 48E, and para-spinal pads 52E and 54E.

In FIG. 4F, alternate embodiment shoulder pads 30F, 32F are shown as are alternate embodiment scapula area pads 34F, 36F, lateral pads 38F, 40F, kidney area pads 42F, 44F, sacrum pad 48F, and para-spinal pads 52F and 54F. In this embodiment, kidney area pads 42F, 44F may actually cover the person's kidneys, but such pads may be configured to distribute external forces applied to the pads safely about the kidneys.

As shown in FIG. 2, vest 14 may also include light reflecting strips 70, 72 and 74 which could be of reflective and/or retro-reflective material in order to assist spotting of the wearer in low light situations.

Turning to FIGS. 6 and 7, the biomechanical protective system of the present invention is illustrated as applied to a seat, generally 100. Seat 100 could be used in ordinary chairs found in the home, office, commercial settings, and the like, and/or in vehicles, particularly those which experience acceleration and/or vibration forces, such as an aircraft, race cars, boats, space vehicles, amusement rides, automobiles, trucks, industrial equipment, etc. Seat 100 includes shoulder area pads 130, 132 attached to a rigid or generally rigid seat structure, generally 102, which includes a back portion 104 and a bottom portion 106. Pads 130, 132 have integral therewith scapula area padding 134 and 136, which are configured to be spaced from a person's spine of the scapula area and to contact a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the spine of the scapula area when the person is seated in seat 100.

Seat 100 also includes para-spinal padding 152 and 154 spaced from and extending substantially the length of the seated person's spine and contacting and/or covering a portion of the para-spinal musculature of the person. Padding 152, 154 is of a contour and or thickness such that the rearward most extension of the spinous processes SP of the person's spine are spaced from back portion 104 of support structure 102. Padding 152, 154 defines a recess, generally RI, to allow spinous processes SP to be separated from direct impingement with back portion 104 and/or support structure 102.

Kidney area padding 142 and 144 is provided, as is also sacrum padding 148 for protecting the kidneys and sacrum area, respectively of the person.

Padding 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 148, 152, and 154 could be of generally uniform thickness, or could be, as shown in FIG. 7, contoured to the natural contour of the person's back to provide more comfort and/or protection, if desired.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific padding structures illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 for seat 100, and that various other configurations of such padding could be provided, if desired, without departing from the teaching of the present invention as discussed herein. Furthermore, the padding arrangements of vest 14 and/or the padding arrangements illustrated in FIGS. 4A through 4F could be applied to seat 100, if desired, for providing biomechanical protection to the body.

Vest 14 could also be used when the -wearer is in a seated position, particularly when seated in a vehicle experiencing unusually large acceleration and/or G-forces and could be used, for example, by pilots seated in aircraft ejection seats.

The biomechanical protection system 10 could also be used in connection with protective clothing items, apart from back-carried loads and/or seating applications. For example, motorcycle jackets could have the padding arrangements discussed herein, or variations thereof, to protect the motorcyclist's spine, back, spine of the scapula, kidneys, etc., in the event the motorcyclist is involved in an accident and/or thrown from the motorcycle. System 10 could also be used in a vest arrangement, hospital garment arrangement, or the like in medical applications to protect a patient's spine, back, shoulders, spine of the scapula, kidneys, etc. before and/or after surgery or other medical procedures.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for present illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations to such embodiments, including but not limited to the substitution of equivalent features or parts, and the reversal of various features thereof, may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims. 

1. A device for protecting a person, the device comprising: a body portion that is carried about the person's back and shoulders; at least one shoulder area pad connected to said body portion that generally covers a portion of the person's shoulder area; at least one scapula area pad connected to said body portion; said scapula area pad being spaced from the person's spine of the scapula area and covering a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the spine of the scapula area; at least one para-spinal pad connected to said body portion laterally spaced from and extending substantially the length of the person's spine and covering a portion of the person's para-spinal musculature; at least one lateral pad connected to said body portion that generally covers a lateral portion of the person's back; at least one kidney pad connected to said body portion that generally covers a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the kidney area of the person's back; and a sacrum pad connected to said body portion that generally covers a portion of the person's sacrum area.
 2. A device for protecting a person, the device comprising: a body portion that is carried about the person's back and shoulders; at least one scapula area pad connected to said body portion; said scapula area pad being spaced from the person's spine of the scapula area and covering a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the spine of the scapula area; and at least one para-spinal pad connected to said body portion laterally spaced from and extending substantially the length of the person's spine and covering a portion of the person's para-spinal musculature.
 3. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: said body portion having a back portion, a first front portion, and a second front portion; at least one elongated first releasable fastener connected to said first front portion; at least one elongated second releasable fastener connected to said second front portion that releasably fastens to said first releasable fastener; and said second releasable fastener extending generally perpendicularly to said first releasable fastener.
 4. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: at least one shoulder area pad connected to said body portion that generally covers a portion of the shoulder area of the person.
 5. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: at least one lateral pad connected to said body portion that generally covers a lateral portion of the person's back.
 6. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: at least one kidney pad connected to said body portion that generally covers a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the kidney area of the person's back.
 7. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: a sacrum pad connected to said body portion that generally covers a portion of the sacrum area of the person.
 8. The device as defined in claim 2, wherein: said body portion is generally in the shape of a vest.
 9. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: a cargo compartment linked to said body section that carries items.
 10. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: a load carrying portion linked to said body section that carries a load.
 11. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: an oxygen source linked to said body section that provides oxygen to the person.
 12. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: a child carrier linked to said body section configured to carry a child.
 13. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: an equipment carrier linked to said body section configured to carry equipment.
 14. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: a book compartment linked to said body section configured to carry books.
 15. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: a backpack linked to said body section configured to carry camping gear.
 16. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: light reflective material attached to said body structure that reflects incident light.
 17. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: light reflective material attached to at least one of said scapula area pad and said para-spinal pad that reflects incident light.
 18. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: a load carrying portion attached to said body portion; and said para-spinal pad generally spacing the rearwardmost extension of the spinous processes of the person's spine from said load carrying portion.
 19. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: a load carrying portion attached to said body portion; said load carrying portion having generally rigid portions; and said para-spinal pad generally spacing the rearwardmost extension of the spinous processes of the person's spine from said generally rigid portions of said load carrying portion.
 20. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: a load carrying portion attached to said body portion; said load carrying portion having generally semi-rigid portions; and said para-spinal pad generally spacing the rearwardmost extension of the spinous processes of the person's spine from said generally semi-rigid portions of said load carrying portion.
 21. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: a load carrying portion attached to said body portion; said load carrying portion having generally rigid portions; and said scapula area pad generally spacing the rearwardmost extension of the person's spine of the scapula from said generally rigid portions of said load carrying portion.
 22. The device as defined in claim 2, further comprising: a load carrying portion attached to said body portion; said load carrying portion having generally semi-rigid portions; and said scapula area pad generally spacing the rearwardmost extension of the person's spine of the scapula from said generally semi-rigid portions of said load carrying portion.
 23. A vest for protecting a person, the vest having a back portion and first and second front portions, the vest comprising: at least one shoulder area pad connected to the back portion of the vest that generally covers a portion of the shoulder area of the person; at least one scapula area pad connected to said vest; said scapula area pad being spaced from the person's spine of the scapula area and covering a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the spine of the scapula area; at least one para-spinal pad connected to said vest laterally spaced from and extending substantially the length of the person's spine and covering a portion of the person's para-spinal musculature; at least one lateral pad connected to the back portion of the vest that generally covers a lateral portion of the person's back; at least one kidney area pad connected to said vest that generally covers a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the kidney area of the person's back; a sacrum pad connected to the back portion of the vest that generally covers a portion of the sacrum area of the person; at least one elongated first releasable fastener connected to said first front portion; at least one elongated second releasable fastener connected to said second front portion that releasably fastens to said first releasable fastener; and said second releasable fastener extending generally perpendicularly to said first releasable fastener.
 24. A method of protecting a person, the method comprising: providing a body portion configured for being carried about the back and shoulders of the person; providing a scapula area pad connected to said body portion; spacing said scapula area pad from the person's spine of the scapula area; covering a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the spine of the scapula area with said scapula area pad; providing a para-spinal pad connected to said body portion, said para-spinal pad having a first surface generally facing the person's back and a second surface generally facing away from said person's back, and said para-spinal pad being configured to extend substantially the length of the person's spine; laterally spacing said para-spinal pad from the person's spine such that said first surface of said para-spinal pad is proximate the para-spinal musculature of the person; and positioning said para-spinal pad such that said second surface of said para-spinal pad projects rearwardly with respect to the person's back beyond the rearwardmost extension of spinous processes of the person's spine.
 25. A device for protecting a person, the device comprising: a generally rigid support structure that supports the person; at least one scapula area pad connected to said support structure; said scapula area pad being spaced from the person's spine of the scapula area and covering a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the spine of the scapula area; said scapula area pad generally spacing the rearwardmost extension of the person's spine of the scapula from said support structure; at least one para-spinal pad connected to said support structure laterally spaced from and extending substantially the length of the person's spine and covering a portion of the para-spinal musculature of the person; said para-spinal pad spacing the rearwardmost extension of the spinous processes of the person's spine from said support structure; at least one kidney area pad connected to said support structure that generally covers a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the kidney area of the person's back; and a sacrum pad connected to said support structure that generally contacts a portion of the sacrum area of the person.
 26. The device as defined in claim 25, further comprising: at least one shoulder area pad connected to said support structure that generally contacts a portion of the shoulder area of the person.
 27. A device for protecting a person, the device comprising: a generally rigid support structure that supports the person; at least one scapula area pad connected to said support structure; said scapula area pad being spaced from the person's spine of the scapula area and covering a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the spine of the scapula area; at least one para-spinal pad connected to said support structure laterally spaced from and extending substantially the length of the person's spine and covering a portion of the para-spinal musculature of the person; and said para-spinal pad spacing the rearwardmost extension of the spinous processes of the person's spine from said support structure.
 28. The device as defined in claim 27, further comprising: at least one kidney area pad connected to said support structure that generally covers a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the kidney area of the person's back.
 29. The device as defined in claim 27, further comprising: a sacrum pad connected to said support structure that generally contacts a portion of the sacrum area of the person.
 30. The device as defined in claim 27, further comprising: said scapula area pad generally spacing the rearwardmost extension of the person's spine of the scapula from said support structure.
 31. A self contained breathing apparatus for being worn by a person, the apparatus comprising: an oxygen source; a conduit connected to said oxygen source that provides oxygen for inhalation by the person; and a vest interposed between said oxygen source and the person; said vest having a back portion and first and second front portions, said vest including: (a) at least one shoulder area pad connected to the back portion of the vest that generally covers a portion of the shoulder area of the person; (b) at least one scapula area pad connected to said vest; said scapula area pad being spaced from the person's spine of the scapula area and covering a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the spine of the scapula area; (c) at least one para-spinal pad connected to said vest laterally spaced from and extending substantially the length of the person's spine and covering a portion of the person's para-spinal musculature; (d) at least one lateral pad connected to the back portion of the vest that generally covers a lateral portion of the person's back; (e) at least one kidney area pad connected to said vest that generally covers a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the kidney area of the person's back; (f) a sacrum pad connected to the back portion of the vest that generally covers a portion of the sacrum area of the person; (g) at least one elongated first releasable fastener connected to said first front portion; (h) at least one elongated second releasable fastener connected to said second front portion that releasably fastens to said first releasable fastener; and (i) said second releasable fastener extending generally perpendicularly to said first releasable fastener.
 32. The self contained breathing apparatus as defined in claim 31, further comprising: a generally rigid frame connected to said oxygen source; and said para-spinal pad generally spacing the rearwardmost extension of the spinous processes of the person's spine from said frame.
 33. The self contained breathing apparatus as defined in claim 31, further comprising: a generally rigid frame connected to said oxygen source; and said scapula area pad generally spacing the person's spine of the scapula from said frame.
 34. A self contained breathing apparatus for being worn by a person, the apparatus comprising: an oxygen source; a conduit connected to said oxygen source that provides oxygen for inhalation by the person; a body portion that is carried about the back and shoulders of the person; said body portion being linked to said oxygen source; at least one scapula area pad connected to said body portion that generally covers a portion of the spine of the scapula area of the person; and at least one para-spinal pad connected to said body portion that is laterally spaced from and extends substantially the length of the person's spine and that covers a portion of the para-spinal musculature of the person.
 35. The self contained breathing apparatus as defined in claim 34, further comprising: a generally rigid support connected to said oxygen source; and said para-spinal pad generally spacing the rearwardmost extension of the spinous processes of the person's spine from said support.
 36. The self contained breathing apparatus as defined in claim 34, further comprising: a generally rigid support connected to said oxygen source; and said scapula area pad generally spacing the person's spine of the scapula from said support.
 37. An apparatus for being carried on the back of a person, the apparatus comprising: a generally rigid load carrying portion; a body portion that is carried about the back and shoulders of the person; said body portion being linked to said load carrying portion; at least one scapula area pad connected to said body portion; said scapula area pad being spaced from the person's spine of the scapula area and covering a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the spine of the scapula area; at least one para-spinal pad connected to said body portion laterally spaced from and extending substantially the length of the person's spine and covering a portion of the person's para-spinal musculature.
 38. The self contained breathing apparatus as defined in claim 37, further comprising: said para-spinal pad generally spacing the rearwardmost extension of the spinous processes of the person's spine from said load carrying portion.
 39. The self contained breathing apparatus as defined in claim 37, further comprising: said scapula area pad generally spacing the person's spine of the scapula from said load carrying portion.
 40. The apparatus as defined in claim 37, wherein: said load carrying portion is a backpack.
 41. The apparatus as defined in claim 37, wherein: said load carrying portion is a child carrier.
 42. A self contained breathing apparatus system for being worn by a person, the apparatus comprising: a generally rigid support; an oxygen tank mounted to said support; a conduit connected to said oxygen tank that provides oxygen for inhalation by the person; a vest that is interposed between said oxygen source and the person; said vest having a back portion and first and second front portions, said vest including: (a) at least one shoulder area pad connected to the back portion of the vest that generally covers a portion of the shoulder area of the person; (b) at least one scapula area pad connected to said vest; said scapula area pad being spaced from the person's spine of the scapula area and covering a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the spine of the scapula area; (c) at least one para-spinal pad connected to said vest laterally spaced from and extending substantially the length of the person's spine and covering a portion of the person's para-spinal musculature; (d) at least one lateral pad connected to the back portion of the vest that generally covers a lateral portion of the person's back; (e) at least one kidney area pad connected to said vest that. generally covers a portion of the person's back generally adjacent the kidney area of the person's back; (f) a sacrum pad connected to the back portion of the vest that generally covers a portion of the sacrum area of the person; (g) at least one elongated first releasable fastener connected to said first front portion; (h) at least one elongated second releasable fastener connected to said second front portion that releasably fastens to said first releasable fastener; and (i) said second releasable fastener extending generally perpendicularly to said first releasable fastener; and a flame retardant coat that covers said vest and that is generally interposed between said vest and said frame.
 43. The self contained breathing apparatus as defined in claim 42, further comprising: said para-spinal pad generally spacing the rearwardmost extension of the spinous processes of the person's spine from said support.
 44. The self contained breathing apparatus as defined in claim 42, further comprising: said scapula area pad generally spacing the person's spine of the scapula from said support. 